Pregnant and Postpartum Movement Theory Every Professional Should Know

Meet your instructor: Dr. Sarah Duvall, PT, DPT, CPT

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Welcome to Part 1:

Rib Cage Position and Movement

In today's video, you'll learn:

The effects of rib cage spreading during pregnancy
Why we focus so much on rib cage mobility
How the external obliques and intercostals affect pelvic floor pressure
How to improve the diaphragm’s resting position
Part 2

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Part 1 - PDF Handout

What is the PCES course?

The Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist Course is leading a movement in women's fitness and healthcare. This certification focuses on pregnancy modifications, postpartum timelines, limitations, and special considerations. You will learn proven corrective exercises that progress pregnant or postpartum clients with Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (leaks, tightness, and prolapse), Diastasis Recti, SI Joint Pain, and Low Back Pain into high-intensity exercise.
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CEUs Available! Up to 34 hours of credit.

What health and fitness professionals are saying:

Jill Zimmerman

"As a Physical Therapist and personal trainer, I can tell you that Sarah has created THE BEST training program for women. Hands down!"

Dr. Jill Zimmerman, DPT, CPT, Owner of Perfectly Fit

Gina Conley, CPT, Doula, Owner of MamasteFit

"I've taken several prenatal/postpartum focused courses in the past year, and the Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist course was by far the best! There is no comparison! Sarah is incredibly in-depth with this course, and I feel like I am by far a better trainer, and postpartum woman, because of this course!"

Gina Conley, CPT, Doula, Owner of MamasteFit

Registration opens in August 2025

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Dr. Sarah Ellis Duvall, PT, DPT, CPT, CNC

Dr. Sarah has rehabbed thousands of women with pelvic floor issues, diastasis recti, SI joint dysfunction and low back pain. With a doctorate and over 15 years of experience in the health and wellness field, she has both the extensive training and experience to bring you a cutting-edge, evidence-based course.

As a mom of 2, she knows personally what it takes to fully recover from having a baby. Her passion lies in helping women be stronger after baby and training those that help women. She is the creator of several online postpartum recovery programs and currently works with women and professionals all over the world. She feels strongly that becoming a mother should not hold women back from living life to the fullest.

Dr Sarah Duvall Pregnancy and Postpartum Expert

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References

Özkal Ö, Kara M, Topuz S, Kaymak B, Bakı A, Özçakar L. Assessment of core and lower limb muscles for static/dynamic balance in the older people: An ultrasonographic study. Age Ageing. 2019;48(6):881-887.

Bordoni B, Zanier E. Anatomic connections of the diaphragm: influence of respiration on the body system. J Multidiscip Healthc. 2013 Jul 25;6:281-91

Boynton B, Barnas G, Dadmun J, Fredberg J: Mechanical coupling of the rib cage, abdomen, and diaphragm through their area of apposition. J Appl Physiol 70:3,1991.

Cassart M, Pettiaux N, Gevenois PA, Paiva M, Estenne M. Effect of chronic hyperinflation on diaphragm length and surface area. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 156:504-508, 1997.